Grilled Vegetable Sandwiches with Wilde Garlek Aioli

Sweet grilled peppers, smoky eggplant, and creamy Wilde Garlek aioli come together on crusty artisan bread for a sandwich that feels both rustic and elegant. Wilde Garlek brings layers of garlic flavor balanced by onion, chives, celery seed, and black pepper, creating a depth that plain garlic alone cannot achieve.

Bloom Classification

Light Bloom (Low Intensity)

Best Medium: Olive Oil

Why the Bloom Works

Wilde Garlek contains several forms of garlic that become sweeter and more aromatic when briefly warmed in oil. Blooming the seasoning before brushing it onto the vegetables helps distribute flavor evenly while reducing any harsh raw garlic notes.

Ingredients

For the Wilde Garlek Aioli

• ⅓ cup mayonnaise (80 g)

• 1 teaspoon Wilde Garlek Seasoning (3 g)

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (5 ml/5 g)

For the Sandwiches

• 2 large red bell peppers, seeded and quartered (300 g)

• 1 small eggplant, sliced into ¼-inch rounds (340 g)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml/14 g)

• 2 teaspoons Wilde Garlek Seasoning (6 g)

• 8 slices country-style bread (320 g)

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh spinach leaves (30 g)

• Sliced tomato (120 g)

• Provolone cheese (120 g)

Method

Prepare the Aioli

1. Combine mayonnaise, Wilde Garlek Seasoning, and lemon juice in a small bowl.

2. Stir until smooth.

3. Refrigerate while preparing the vegetables.

Bloom the Seasoning

1. Warm olive oil in a small skillet over low heat.

2. Add Wilde Garlek Seasoning.

3. Stir continuously for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Remove from heat.

Grill the Vegetables

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

2. Brush peppers and eggplant with the bloomed oil mixture.

3. Grill peppers for 6 to 8 minutes until softened and lightly charred.

4. Grill eggplant for 4 to 5 minutes per side until tender.

5. Remove from grill and allow to cool slightly.

Assemble the Sandwiches

1. Lightly toast the bread if desired.

2. Spread Wilde Garlek aioli on one side of each bread slice.

3. Layer grilled peppers and eggplant evenly among four slices.

4. Add spinach, tomato, or provolone if using.

5. Top with remaining bread slices.

6. Cut each sandwich in half and serve immediately.

Best With

• Tomato basil soup

• Cold cucumber salad

• Fresh berries

• Sparkling lemonade

• Iced tea

Blooming Notes

• Wilde Garlek was designed to showcase multiple forms of garlic, making it ideal for vegetable-forward dishes.

• The seasoning works especially well with eggplant because the vegetable absorbs flavored oil like a sponge.

• Leftover aioli makes an excellent spread for burgers, wraps, and roasted vegetables.

At Oak City Spice Blends, we believe garlic should be more than just an ingredient. Wilde Garlek celebrates garlic in all its forms, creating layers of flavor that transform simple vegetables into something memorable.